Aching joints? Here's relief

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you may be searching for alternative ways to manage pain now that studies have linked Vioxx—and similar drugs—to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The following herbal supplements can safely relieve arthritis discomfort by modulating the production of prostaglandins—pain-producing substances triggered in the body by an enzyme called COX-2.

5 herbal supplements to try

Herb

What It Does

Dose

Precautions

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Prevents inflammation by binding to the COX-2 enzyme.

300–500 mg, 3x/day

None known.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Animal studies show the phytochemicals in cat’s claw can reduce inflammation.

500–1,000 mg/day

Do not take if you are pregnant or if you suffer from multiple sclerosis or tuberculosis.